Makaveli: The Legend
By Karen Murphy-Smith
On Tuesday, November 5, 1996, Death Row Records released the ?final? recording of ?deceased? Rap artist 2Pac Shakur aka Makaveli. At one minute past midnight many fans in our area and around the country waited in lines outside of music stores in order to secure a copy of the much anticipated "Makaveli - the don killuminati - the 7 day theory" recording. It's ironic that on the same day that millions casted ballots for President - millions more were casting votes-of-approval for the ?slain? artist. According to the Public Relations Department of Death Row Records, "Makaveki...(is) 2Pac's fifth solo album, the second on The New and 'Untouchable' Death Row Record label." Makaveli is said to be Shakur's alter ego, which is steeped in the philosophy of Italian political theorist Niccolo Michiaveli. 2Pac read Machiavelli's The Prince more than once. (Bantam Books, Classics) Poli. Sci. students and political moguls should be familiar with terms like Machiavellianism and Machiavellian, which refers to this political doctrine that denies the relevance of morality in political affairs, and holds that craft and deceit are justified in pursuing and maintaing political power. (American Heritage Dictionary, second college edition) The name Makaveli or Machiavelli is synonymous with controversy. Niccolo Machiavelli the 14th century Italian high-level functionary and mover and shaker, wrote The Prince as a tool or handbook for rulers during the Florentine era in 1513. In The Prince, Machiavelli presents a ten point plan for aspiring conquerors which includes: 1) Studying and familiarizing one's self with the Kingdom(s) that they wish to conquer. 2) Annihilating or expelling the conquered King(s). 3) Extinguishing all heirs to the throne. 4) Purging the Kingdom(s) of defectors, spies, and traitors. 5) Selecting advisors who will strengthen one's Kingdom(s). 6) Keeping previously established oppressive taxes and laws. Or, establishing them. 7) Intimidating or putting the fear in the hearts of neighboring Kings. 8) Moving to, and residing in the newly conquered Kingdom(s). 9) If one chooses not to reside in or near those Kingdom(s), then establishing colonies there. 10) If one does not reside there, nor establishes colonies there, then sending troops to occupy the area(s). (All the while the Prince must be mindful, that he can never really trust anyone- except for himself; that fearful subjects ae better than loving subjects; and finally, that everything and everyone is expendable for the sake of one's Kingdom.)
This pragmatic belief system which considered morality and ethics incompatible to political objectives, in some respects corresponds to the fiery lifestyle that young Shakur - who survived a near death drive-by shooting attempt on his life, nearly a year incarcerated, and a tragic and untimely ?death? two months ago, had carved out for himself. This charismatic, outspoken, influential, pragmatic, an controversial genius was born in the Bronx, NY. 2Pac produced five albums and starred in several films. Friends, enemies, and fans alike honored, (not buried him) during candle-light vigils, memorial services, and scheduled events around the country. 2Pac's ?death? appeared to have had a cathartic affect in the Rap Music Industry. Those west-coast/east-coast rivalries seem to have diminished ( for the time being). Was 2Pac Shakur - - Rap's sacrifical lamb? Have the curtains or barriers between rival factions been transformed into common threads? Perhaps 2Pac hoped so, which is why Makaveli is with us today.
Just how alive Makaveli is, can be determined from the rather sketchy information surrounding 2Pac's ?death?, understanding the significance in his name change to Makaveli, listening to the Introduction of the Makaveli recording, listening to the dialogue between some of the songs on the recording, listening to the various sound effects throughout the recording, listening closely to the lyrics of the first song Bomb First, the fifth song - Blasphemy, and the last song -Against All Odds, reading the un-coded message inside the CD/tape cover, reading the words on the CD/tape front cover, and deciphering the religious symbols on the CD/tape front cover. 2Pac's ?death? One need not be a psychic in ordr to figure out that things don't quite add up about the shooting ?death? of 2Pac Shakur. Things like, no witnesses ever surfaced, which in and of itself is strange. Sure, street savvied people like us normally duck or find cover during gun play, but we also tend to ask questions like who - what- and - why when things like this go down. Wasn't a large sum offered in exchange for inforamtion? You mean to tell me that no one came forward?
The general public never got a glimpse of the ?injured? artist before his ?death? In this era of tabloids I find it hard to believe that the Paparazzi (media) couldn't inflitrate the hospital and snap one polaroid? Or, wave carrots in front of the noses of hospital staff who would sell them information? After all, inquiring minds still want to know.
The public was not given an opportunity to say farwell to the ?slain? artist. Reality check: (God forbid!), but if The King of Pop, The Queen of Soul, The Polish Prince, The Godfather of Soul, or "Old Blue Eyes" himself traveled to the next plain (died); wouldn't they have state funerals? After all, 2Pac was controversial, lead a high profile and colorful life, shrouded himself in opulence; but choose not to go out in style? What about his lyrics: "Bury me smilin' with G's in my pocket have a party at my FUNERAL Let every Rapper rock it Let tha hos that I usta know from way before Kiss me from my head to my toe Give me a paper and a pen, so I can write about my life of sin A couple bottles of Gin In case I don't get in Tell all my people I'm a Ridah Nobody cries when we die We outlaws"
"Life goes On" Please! 2Pac was Black. As a black - I can tell you -- that we recognize and honor the dead, it's assumptive. If we lived well, then we're likely to be put away well. (Even if we choose cremation rather then burial.)
Machiavelli/Makaveli I explained who Machiavelli was, what he did, and what his claim to fame was. Now I'll explain who Makaveli is today. Makaveli is a conglomerate in the form of: Makaveli Records, Makaveli the don killuiminati the 7day theory, Makaveli the writer, and Makaveli Shakur's alter ego. Machiavelli wrote a book entitled, The Prince. There's also an artist who was formally known as Prince who re-invented himself. 2Pac too, has re-invented himself. He's gone from 2Pac the artist - to Makaveli the conglomerate. Mortals come and go, but legends are the same today, tomorrow, and forever. (eg: Valentino, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Hendrix, Marvin Gaye)
Death Row's P.R. The New and 'Untouchable' Death Row Records published a Press Release entitled, "2PAC aka Makaveli." Contained in the two and a half paged press release is a biography of Shakur, a list and description of his recordings, and a list of his other accomplishments (ie: films and other industry ventures.) A careful read of this press release provides insights about 2Pac and Makaveli. "Just two months after his tragic and untimely death, 2Pac is heard on what he felt was the truest expression of his feeling to date. Makaveli...is in fact, Shakur's alter ego, steeped in the philosophy of the Italian political theorist Niccolo Michiavelli... His recent travails had also reawakened him to the hopes of a world yet to be achieved, yet to be created for and by those who have no voice. 2Pac was a free man not just in body but in spirit..." The release also announced the name change of his label from "Da Gutta" label to "Makaveli Records". In addition, the group formerly known as "Thug Life" have changed their name to "Outlaw Immortalz", consisting of (Kadafi, Hussein, Kastro, E.D.I. Mean, Napolean, Muzaliny, and Komani). 2Pac and many of those around him must have been going through some major changes, if my read of this release is correct.
Listening to the CD The words in the introduction of the Makaveli recording are self explanatory. Every time 2Pac's name is mentioned, the moderator says, "Rather...Makaveli" or "I mean, Makaveli." ( A blurring of 2Pac and his alter ego, if you ask me.) Mentioned also in the introduction are: "a conspiracy", the names of supposed east-coast rivals and enemies of 2Pac and Death Row Records, a prediciton of Makaveli's success, 2Pac's rational for existence, and a challenge to his fans.
How one reacts to Makaveli's Makaveli - the don killumanti - the 7 day theory has a lot to do with the dialogue, sound effects, music, and lyrics itself. The sound of gun shots, a heart monitor, church bells, a 21 gun salute, and an excerpt from one of the Nation of Islam's recordings of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakan, aids in making this recording a haunting one. While Makaveli conveys anger towards some individuals within the Rap Music Industry; the recording itself is also positive. Fans who may have felt dismayed over 2Pac's ?death? can be re-assured by the lyrics - throughout the recording that Makaveli is alive and well. Paying close attention to the lyrics of Bomb First, Hail Mary, Blasphemy, and the final song Against All Odds, will give listeners a glimpse at the gradual changes and phases of development that Makaveli went through. Makaveli starts off in a fit of rage, turns into a rebellious youth, grow into an adult who is hell bent on revenged and evolves or metamorphosises into a seasoned and savvied supernatural force - which recognizes the importance of racial harmony, higher authorities, and the power of redemption.
"Dear Lord, don't let me die tonight...", "Brothers getting shot - comin' back resurrected...", "He was a friend - now he's a ghost in the dark.", are just a few of the chilling phrases that point to Makaveli's existence. (Not necessarily The Last Word) With so many unanswered questions surrounding 2Pac's "death", as well as difficulties at Death Row Records due to the incarceration of Marion Shug Knight - it's founder who sits in jail for a probation violation, rather then at the helm of his company; fans are more than a tad haunted by phrases like: "Dear Lord don't let me die tonight." "Brothers getting shot - coming back resurrected", and "He who was a friend - now's a ghost in the dark." There are those who continue to entertain sceanarios about 2Pac being yet alive, or resurrected.
Because The New and "Untouchable" Death Row Record Company is one of the biggest success stories in the history of black music today, and because 2Pasc aka Makaveli does survive via his label Makeveli, his CD/tape Makaveli - the don killuminati - 7 day theory, and in spirit; loyal 2Pac fans are constructing what some consider -- rather absurd and unrealistic theories. Theories - by the way which aren't so ridiculous to loyal 2Pac fans who understand that he fashioned himself as a "Real Life Gangsta'", used mafia and organized crime terminology and metaphors in his lyrics, and had gang affiliations. Within this context, why a gangsta' wouldn't go underground under such circumstances would be absurd? to them, 2Pac would need only to get contact lenses, grow his hair, get plastic surgery, have his tattoos removed, his skin bleached, loose/gain some weight, and have his voice surgically altered - to come back as a newcomer. With his creative genius and business savvy, he could go to the top again in no-time.